Weight training

[BikeMax]

 

One has to bear in mind that there is more to cycling than simply pedaling the bike forwards. Shock from the road is transmitted up the arms' date=' through the shoulders and into the back. If these muscles fatigue or fail the bodies 'attention' is 'distracted' away from the task of making you go forward faster.

 

If you train correctly with weights you will build very little extra muscle, you will however strengthen those that you already have.

 

Power to weight ratio is the mantra of every cyclist but unless you are planning an assualt on an Alpine stage in the TDF there is no need for you to be built like an anorexic Columbian, a little bit of weight training in the off-season will do you more good than harm.

 

The climbs that we face in our weekend races are very rarely any more than 3km long and up to 10%. You don't sit and twiddle up climbs like that you power over them. These are climbs which riders like Tom Boonen and co relish in the Spring Classics and I would put money on the fact that Big Tom is in gym as we write this.

 

I agree that the best strength and power work is done on the bike and should be specific to the type of rider that you are and what your goals are but I am of the opinion that weight training during certain parts of the year definitely do contribute to sports specific power and strength.

[/quote']

 

Just out of interest - did you read the two articles I posted by Coggan ?

 

No, unfortunately I seem to work harder than a lot of other guys on the Hub but I will when I have some time.

 

I am assuming that these are based on some sort of testing and research but the problem with published findings is that you generally can find just as compelling reading which proves the opposite. Research done by Dr. Michael Colgan for instance.

 

Doesn't mean we shouldn't read everything. The more information the better, the key is to establish what works for the individual and to be able to adapt training, on and off the bike, to him or her.

 

Agreed - but it should surely be based on recent scientific research rather than anecdotal evidence ?

 

I thought that Colgan was primarily a nutrition expert, has he published something on strength training for cyclists ? (if so I would like to read it if you have a link)

 

[DvG.]

Ja he is primarily a nutrition expert, very good one, again, in my opinion.

He has also done a lot of work with athletes from various sporting codes, dealing with developing power for sport.

 

He is a pretty outspoken character and is not shy to call a spade a spade. For that reason I have a number of his books but I am sure that you would find info on his site: www.colganinstitute.com

[BikeMax]

 

Ja he is primarily a nutrition expert' date=' very good one, again, in my opinion.

He has also done a lot of work with athletes from various sporting codes, dealing with developing power for sport.

 

He is a pretty outspoken character and is not shy to call a spade a spade. For that reason I have a number of his books but I am sure that you would find info on his site: www.colganinstitute.com

[/quote']

 

Thanks - will have a look.

 

[bruce]

This debate get's down to a very fundamental issue: evidence based coaching vs. belief based coaching http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/coachsci/csa/thermo/thermo.htm

[BikeMax]

 

This debate get's down to a very fundamental issue: evidence based coaching vs. belief based coaching http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/coachsci/csa/thermo/thermo.htm

 

What a great article - just gets right to the "core" of it